Nutrition Provider (Cook)

Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City & OK/CN Counties, Inc.; Bethany (OK); On-site; USD 19,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City & OK/CN Counties, Inc. is seeking a Kitchen/Nutrition Assistant for its Head Start program.

The role oversees daily kitchen operations, prepares nutritious meals, and ensures compliance with USDA requirements for program-eligible preschool children. The position collaborates with staff and parents to integrate nutrition education into the curriculum, maintaining sanitary facilities and accurate meal records.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or GED.
• Food Handler’s permit required.
• Fingerprinting and background checks required by state and funding source.
• Valid Oklahoma driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Minimum two years of paid experience in food preparation.
• Ability to consistently meet all established Work Environment standards.
• Willingness to attend continued career field training to stay updated on best practices
• Experience working with young children preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and serves nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, and supplements) in proper, waste-free quantities.
• Develops and maintains cycle menus in accordance with USDA standards.
• Collaborates with center staff and volunteers to integrate nutrition education into the curriculum.
• Maintains kitchen equipment and workspace in clean, sanitary, and safe conditions.
• Maintains records of meal participation, inventory, vendor purchases, and USDA commodities.
• Uses KidKare software for inventory and meal tracking.
• Performs other Head Start/Early Head Start duties as required.
• This position requires frequent travel to off-site locations.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

KidKare software

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

Acts as a vital support function in meeting the nutritional needs of program-eligible pre-school-aged children. This role is Responsible for the daily operation of a Head Start kitchen and the preparation of nutritious, economical, and edible meals in accordance with USDA requirements. As a builder of health and wellness, the position works cooperatively with staff, parents, and the Nutrition Specialist, demonstrating integrity, respect always, and teamwork in every meal served.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Culinary Service & Nutrition:

• Prepares and serves nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, and supplements) in proper, waste‑free quantities. Demonstrates a service-oriented mindset and exceeds expectations by ensuring food is both healthy and appealing to children.
• Develops and maintains cycle menus in accordance with USDA standards. Acts as a partner by listening to and incorporating input from the Nutrition Specialist, parents, and colleagues.
• Collaborates with center staff and volunteers to integrate nutrition education into the curriculum. Acts as an ally in the classroom to create food-related learning activities that spark curiosity in children.

Integrity & Kitchen Operations:

• Maintains kitchen equipment and workspace in clean, sanitary, and safe conditions. Takes responsibility for preventive maintenance, proper storage, and waste disposal, ensuring that high safety expectations are consistently met.
• Maintains deep knowledge of USDA Child Care Food Program regulations. Operates with honesty and consistency to ensure full compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains accurate records of meal participation, inventory, vendor purchases, and USDA commodities. Ensure all documentation is honest, accountable, and ready for review.

Problem Solving & Innovation:

• Identifies equipment needs and recommends Innovative solutions to enhance kitchen efficiency and safety. Approaches challenges as a problem solver who is open to new ways of working.
• Contributes to pest control and environmental safety measures. Remains adaptable and responsive to the changing needs of the center and the kitchen environment.

Connections & Professionalism:

• Assists in planning parent nutrition and consumer education events. Fosters Connections and ensures that all families feel welcome and supported.
• Participates in ongoing training and professional development. Approaches all Head Start duties as an innovator committed to excellence and the agency's mission.

Technology:

• Effectively utilizes technology, including KidKare software, for inventory and meal tracking. Demonstrates a desire to learn new hardware and software systems.

Other:

• Performs other Head Start/Early Head Start duties required to accomplish the Head Start/Early Head Start mission.
• This position requires frequent travel to off-site locations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work responsibilities are performed in a commercially furnished, licensed childcare facility. You must be physically fit to stand for hours while preparing meals, reach above the head and below the knee, and be able to lift forty-five (45) pounds.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• High school graduate or GED.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Food Handler’s permit.
• Must meet all state and funding source requirements, including mandatory fingerprinting and background checks.
• Possession of a valid Oklahoma State driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Demonstration of good health and high standards of personal hygiene (critical for food service).
• No physical restrictions that would preclude the performance of assigned kitchen and lifting duties.
• Previous experience working specifically with young children.
• A minimum of two (2) years of paid experience in food preparation using basic recipe ingredients.
• A willingness to attend continued career field training to stay updated on best practices
• Ability to consistently meet all established Work Environment standards.

QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED:

• Formal training and experience in quantity cooking, nutrition, and kitchen/food management.